The Awakening

The Awakening

We were created for more than just surviving or coasting through life, stuck in the monotony of the mundane. Jesus came to give us life to the fullest! He has more peace for us. More purpose for us. More of Him for us.

In this series, “The Awakening,” we will discover the life we have always wanted is exactly the life God has for us. It’s time we wake up to the more God has for us.

Part 1 - Wake Up

Discussion Questions

1. Read John 10:10. When you envision the life Jesus is promising in John 10:10, what comes to mind? What are the characteristics of someone living that kind of life?

2. Romans 8:20 says, creation is subjected to frustration. In what way are you living with quiet frustration? Where do you feel stuck in your life?

3. Read Ephesians 2:1-6. Paul talks about how we were dead in our disobedience, but because of God’s mercy, we can find life in Christ. How have you experienced God’s mercy when you reached out to Him in the midst of darkness and disobedience?

4. Read Romans 13:12. Let’s get practical. What is holding you back from the life Jesus refers to in John 10:10? What do you need to get rid of like dirty clothes?

5. Paul compares right living to armor in Romans 13:12. How is right living like armor?

Discussion Questions

Question: Do you feel like those words (weary, worn out, exhausted, etc.) could describe their life right now and, if so, why?

2. Jeremy talked about driving to Colorado and how when he got tired, he began to drift.

Question: Have you noticed (either presently or in the past) when you are tired or distracted, the important things of life begin to drift?

3. Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Question: What thoughts come to mind as we read this?

4. Jeremy mentioned that he once heard someone explain God’s guidelines for life are likened to guardrails on a mountain road. They are there to keep you safe, not because God is trying to restrict you. When it comes to guardrails, no one says, “Hey, I wish they’d remove those guardrails because I want to drive as close to the edge of the cliff as possible.”

Question: Why does our culture want to remove guardrails and live close to (or even over) the edge when it comes to godly morality and ethics?

5. Jeremy said, “Do you want to avoid regret? Then allow God’s guardrails to be in your life.”

The Bible references living with guardrails as having a “holy” life. Living a “holy” life is actually living the kind of life God designed us to live.

Part 3 - Rise Up

Discussion Questions

1. You heard Jeremy say another definition of “awakening” is to “rise from the ruins.” With this in mind, let’s look at a story in the Old Testament.
In the Book of Ezra, an evil king, Nebuchadnezzar, had God’s people in captivity. They were defeated and their temple lay in ruins.

Read Ezra 9:8, This verse alludes to the fact that God’s people were still in the middle of the struggle, but God was giving them a “measure of revival.”

Question: Ruins denote there were better days when things were new/whole. Have you ever been at a place where you thought the best days were behind you (and why)?

2. Praise is an entry point into the presence of God and has the power to bring ruins to life!
Read Ezra 3:10-11. Notice the temple was not finished. The construction was just getting started.

Question: There’s a recurring theme in the Bible that God wants us to “praise” Him before we see the provision to our problem.
A) Why is this so hard to do?
B) Why do you think God wants us to do this?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. So, the way we engage in difficulty and struggle in this life is different as Christ-followers.

Question: What do you think this verse means?

4. Read Ezra 7:10. Nothing can replace the power of intimacy and relationship with the living God! Ezra demonstrated this by seeking God diligently.

Question: Ezra “prepared his heart” with God’s Word. Can someone explain how to do this? When you have done it, how has it influenced your life?

5. Let’s look at the lyrics to a worship song by Hillsong Live, “Glorious Ruins”

When the world caves in
Still my hope will cling to Your promise
When my courage ends
Let my heart find strength
In Your presence

Let the ruins come to life
In the beauty of Your name
Rising up from the ashes
God forever You reign

Question: What area of life is “in ruin” (or feels that way) and you need God to bring it to life?

Part 4 - Raise Up

Discussion Questions

1. Pastor Jeremy stated that it doesn’t matter how small the light seems, and it doesn’t matter how dark the darkness is, the light is completely overpowering. Every time. In what ways have you overcomplicated being a light to those around you? How have you seen light overpower darkness when you have stepped out?

2. Since our lives ultimately reflect the goodness of God towards others, how would you live differently if you knew that you may be the only picture of God people would see?

3. Let’s read Ephesians 5:8-11.
“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”

We are living in the light now, so the fruit of our lives should show what is good and right and true. We are to determine carefully what pleases the Lord in how we live, and our lives should look differently from the world. Is there anything in your life that is currently hindering you from being a light?

4. Let’s read Matthew 5:14-16 in The Message Translation.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

As we let our light shine, our lives will point people to God. In what ways do you need to be more generous with your life? What are some of the ways you could shine your light?